own up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"own up to" is a correct and usable term in written English.
This phrase can be used to express that someone will take responsibility for something or admit to doing something wrong. For example, "I had to own up to making the mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can own up to that message".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to own up to it".

The New York Times - Sports

We're going to own up to that.

The New Yorker

You never own up to that.

The New Yorker

He can't own up to it.

The New York Times

They "own up to about $380m.

The Guardian

"No one can own up to it".

The New York Times

Regulators rarely own up to their failures.

The New York Times

They need to own up to that fact.

The New York Times

Just don't expect Indonesians to own up to it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You ARE a liar own up to it!" pic.twitter.com/7q7BDcFTzP.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "own up to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is taking responsibility for. Being specific avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

A common mistake is using "own up to it" without a clear antecedent for "it". Always ensure the "it" refers to a specific action or mistake mentioned previously in the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "own up to" functions as a verb phrase indicating acknowledgment of responsibility or admission of fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express the act of taking accountability. The provided examples on Ludwig highlight its use in contexts ranging from personal mistakes to institutional failures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "own up to" is a phrasal verb used to indicate the act of admitting responsibility or fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is suitable for neutral and informal settings, writers should be mindful of using clear pronouns to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "take responsibility for" or "admit to" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take responsibility for

Emphasizes accepting accountability for actions or outcomes.

admit to

Focuses specifically on acknowledging the truth or confessing to something.

confess to

Implies a more formal or serious admission, often related to wrongdoing.

acknowledge

Suggests a broader recognition of a fact or situation, not necessarily implying guilt.

fess up

An informal way to say admit to something wrong

come clean about

Suggests revealing all the details of a situation, especially after concealing them.

face the music

Highlights accepting the consequences of one's actions.

be held accountable

Stresses the idea of being answerable for one's conduct.

bite the bullet

Highlights accepting a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

shoulder the blame

Accept responsibility for something, even if not entirely one's fault.

FAQs

How can I use "own up to" in a sentence?

You can use "own up to" to indicate that someone is taking responsibility for something. For example, "He had to "own up to" his mistake" or "They need to "own up to" their responsibilities".

What does it mean to "own up to" something?

To "own up to" something means to admit that you are responsible for something, especially something bad or wrong. It implies taking accountability for your actions.

What can I say instead of "own up to"?

You can use alternatives like "take responsibility for", "admit to", or "confess to" depending on the context.

Is it better to "own up to" something immediately?

Yes, generally it is better to "own up to" a mistake or wrongdoing promptly. Addressing the issue directly can help to mitigate potential negative consequences and build trust.